The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) plans to complete pending works and bridge gaps in the city’s storm-water drain (SWD) network by the end of August.

According to officials in the Storm Water Drain Department, the number of SWD network gaps was reduced to 87 from 115 since July 15, covering an estimated distance of 870 m.

On the civic body’s pre-monsoon preparedness, officials said tenders for cleaning silt catch pits across all zones had been finalised and work orders issued, with operations already under way. They added that the city’s waterbodies were also being rejuvenated, primarily through the deepening of ponds.

Officials said that efforts to remove structural encroachments remained stalled due to pending litigations in courts.

As for recurring sewer blockages, they attributed the problem to the 40-year-old sewerage pipeline infrastructure maintained by the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB),and noted that it was currently unable to handle the city’s capacity demands.

The GCC plans to complete its comprehensive pre-monsoon preparedness works by August-end.

Currently, 68,281 of the total 1,09,975 silt catch pits have been cleaned.

Besides, of the 245 ponds maintained by the civic body across its 15 zones, improvement works have been sanctioned for 83 at an estimated cost of ₹214.02 crore. Restoration has been completed in 49 ponds, while work is under progress at 34 locations.

Infrastructure coordination remains an ongoing issue, with CMWSSB project delays resulting in unauthorised road cuts and dumping of excess soil at various work sites.

Published - August 07, 2026 09:04 pm IST